Summer Palace Beijing Map – A Comprehensive Travel Guide

Summer Palace Beijing Map – A Comprehensive Travel Guide

Summer Palace, located in the Haidian district of Beijing, is one of the most beautiful and famous attractions in China. It is a magnificent imperial garden that covers an area of 2.9 square kilometers, and it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you’re planning a trip to Beijing, a visit to the Summer Palace is a must. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Summer Palace Beijing Map, from top attractions to hidden gems.

Top Attractions

The Summer Palace is a vast complex, and there are numerous attractions to explore. Some of the top attractions include:

• The Long Corridor
• Kunming Lake
• Tower of Buddhist Incense
• The Marble Boat
• Garden of Virtue and Harmony

The Long Corridor

The Long Corridor is a covered walkway that stretches for 728 meters. It is decorated with more than 14,000 paintings and is the longest corridor of its kind in the world.

Kunming Lake

Kunming Lake is a man-made lake that covers an area of 2.2 square kilometers. It is a popular spot for boating, and visitors can rent a boat to explore the lake.

Tower of Buddhist Incense

The Tower of Buddhist Incense is a three-story tower that stands on a hill overlooking the lake. It was originally built in 1750 and was later rebuilt in the 19th century.

The Marble Boat

The Marble Boat is a beautiful pavilion that sits on the shore of Kunming Lake. It was built in 1755 and is made entirely of marble.

Garden of Virtue and Harmony

The Garden of Virtue and Harmony is a beautiful garden that was built in the 18th century. It is home to numerous pavilions, halls, and bridges.

Hidden Gems

In addition to the top attractions, there are also several hidden gems at the Summer Palace that are worth exploring. Some of these include:

• The Suzhou Market Street
• The Bronze Ox
• The Seventeen-Arch Bridge
• The Back Lake

The Suzhou Market Street

The Suzhou Market Street is a replica of a traditional Chinese market street. It is lined with shops selling souvenirs, snacks, and traditional Chinese crafts.

The Bronze Ox

The Bronze Ox is a statue of an ox that is said to have been a gift from Tibet. It is located near the entrance to the Summer Palace.

The Seventeen-Arch Bridge

The Seventeen-Arch Bridge is a beautiful bridge that spans Kunming Lake. It was built in the 18th century and is one of the most iconic structures at the Summer Palace.

The Back Lake

The Back Lake is a tranquil lake that is located behind the Summer Palace. It is a peaceful spot where visitors can escape the crowds and enjoy the natural scenery.

Food Scene

The food scene at the Summer Palace is diverse and delicious. Visitors can enjoy traditional Chinese dishes as well as international cuisine. Some of the must-try dishes include:

• Peking Duck
• Hotpot
• Dim Sum
• Fried Rice
• Noodles

Budget-Friendly Tips

Visiting the Summer Palace doesn’t have to be expensive. Here are some budget-friendly tips:

• Visit during the off-season to avoid the crowds and save money on tickets.
• Take public transportation to the Summer Palace to save money on transportation costs.
• Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in the gardens.
• Bring your own water bottle to refill at the drinking fountains.

Outdoor Adventures

The Summer Palace is a great place for outdoor adventures. Visitors can go boating on Kunming Lake, hike in the hills surrounding the palace, or explore the gardens on foot or by bike.

Historical Landmarks

The Summer Palace is steeped in history, and there are numerous historical landmarks to explore. Some of these include:

• The Hall of Benevolence and Longevity
• The Hall of Joyful Longevity
• The Hall of Dispelling Clouds

Family-Friendly Activities

The Summer Palace is a great place for families to visit. Children will enjoy exploring the gardens, watching the boats on Kunming Lake, and learning about Chinese history and culture.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Experiences

If you’re looking for off-the-beaten-path experiences at the Summer Palace, consider:

• Attending a traditional Chinese music performance
• Participating in a calligraphy class
• Taking a guided tour of the gardens

Natural Wonders

The Summer Palace is home to several natural wonders, including Kunming Lake and the surrounding hills. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the palace while exploring the gardens and hiking in the hills.

Vibrant Nightlife

While the Summer Palace isn’t known for its nightlife, there are several restaurants and bars in the area where visitors can enjoy a drink or a meal.

Local Markets

The local markets near the Summer Palace are a great place to buy souvenirs and traditional Chinese crafts. Some of the best markets include:

• The Suzhou Market Street
• The Panjiayuan Antique Market
• The Hongqiao Pearl Market

Beaches and Mountains

The Summer Palace is located in the city, so there are no beaches or mountains nearby. However, visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the palace gardens and the surrounding hills.

Cultural Immersion

The Summer Palace is a great place to immerse yourself in Chinese culture. Visitors can learn about traditional Chinese architecture, art, music, and calligraphy while exploring the palace.

Art and Music Scene

The art and music scene at the Summer Palace is vibrant and diverse. Visitors can attend traditional Chinese music performances, watch calligraphy demonstrations, and explore the artwork on display in the palace.

Walking Tours

Walking tours are a great way to explore the Summer Palace. Visitors can join a guided tour or explore the palace at their own pace.

Architectural Marvels

The Summer Palace is home to several architectural marvels, including the Tower of Buddhist Incense, the Marble Boat, and the Long Corridor. Visitors can marvel at the intricate details and beautiful designs of these structures.

Historical Sites

The Summer Palace is a treasure trove of historical sites. Visitors can learn about Chinese history and culture while exploring the palace gardens and historical landmarks.

Biking Routes

The Summer Palace is a great place for biking. Visitors can rent a bike and explore the palace gardens and surrounding hills at their own pace.

Wellness Retreats and Adventure Sports

The Summer Palace isn’t known for its wellness retreats or adventure sports. However, visitors can enjoy a peaceful and relaxing day exploring the gardens and natural beauty of the palace.

Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or natural beauty, the Summer Palace has something to offer. Use this comprehensive travel guide to plan your visit and make the most of your time at this magnificent imperial garden.